In July, the Morley Arts District launched the “Meet Our Local Art Heroes,” in partnership with “We Love Nogales,” a digital platform dedicated to providing beneficial information to the residents of Nogales and Santa Cruz County, that’s produced by Santa Cruz County Public Media. The host of this series is Juan Miguel Garcia, arts advocate and painter as well as Assistant Coordinator for History and Humanities for the Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Office.
In this first interview, you’ll meet painter Armando Moreno whose journey took him from matador to artist! Years ago, Armando dazzled crowds at bullfights in Nogales, Sonora, where stars like John Wayne and Ava Gardner would gather. Even then, he was passionate about art, creating stunning taurine pieces for spectators.
This summer, he’s been inspiring local kids at the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office Summer Camp, leading the “Art History Academy with Armando Moreno” to produce six new paintings reflecting our rich local history. Now, you’re invited to join him for his Open Artist Studio this July and August! Come watch him paint and share ideas—some talented kids might even be lending a hand!
